RF-45 Automatic Tool Changer

Hello everyone,

I am writing to the list as I thought this may interest a few people.

For a bit of back ground, I am from Australia and after making a few CNC routers decided to retrofit a RF-45 mill drill. I learnt a lot and since then have collaborated with some others here in Australia to start in manufacturing commercial vertical machining centers. Our first model will be very similar to the well known Haas Mini Mill, due to our poor currency having an Australian made machine allows us to make a higher quality machine and still undercut the Haas machine by thousands.

One of the biggest roles I will be playing is in the development of our Auto tool changer and spindle unit. Beleive it or not all of these items are available "off the shelf" from taiwan, however as we would like to have complete control of our product in terms of quality we have decided to make our own... okay Ill stop rambling and get to the point.

I have to make a "proof of concept" of the tool changer and spindle. To keep initial size and cost low I have desided to produce a working unit to fit my existing rf-45 mill drill. This will include a BT40 compatible spindle housed in a new head casting. The new head unit will mount directly onto the existing z-axis slide of an rf-45. The 12 tool carasel will mount off the left side of the column. I can expect around 4second chip to chip times. The carasel will be operated pneumatically as will the tool unclamp unit.

I thought it be a shame to have to make patterns for only one unit, so if there are any on the list who are interested I am happy to provide the units at cost, you pay shipping etc.

The head unit will require a VFD controlled motor as spindle is driven at a fixed ratio via a gates 8YU timing belt. The spindle will run happily air cooled at 8000rpm. This setup will require around 4CFM at 100psi air (for air cooling, tool unclamping and carasel in feed).

Anyone who is interested please contact me off list, anyone with any suggestions please post.

I am not here trying to rally a minimum number so I can justify cost or anything like that, Just thought you might be interested. This is still some way off, after I complete the first (and iron out any issues) unit I will post again with final price etc.


One of the biggest pains with home CNC is tool changing!


Regards,

Jason Cox.




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